The House of Roses N The Dark is gearing up to present an intimate dialogue with Words From Prison poet Roy Page. Page is the author of Incarcerated Thoughts, a book of poetry he completed while serving his life sentence at the South Mississippi Correctional Institute. The exhibition will be open from Feb. 15-April 23.

With the strains of melodic words a stark contrast to the sharp coldness of the room in which Page spends most of his days, he explains what moved him to create a series of rhythmic poetry despite his life sentence.

“I get my point across better than speaking to people. It gives me self-appreciation,” he said.

Page’s journey of self-discovery began early in life. His childhood was riddled with loneliness and in the middle of being shuttled back and forth between his parent’s houses for visits, Page began listening to rap, then the blues and R & B. The music spoke to him like nothing else had before and led him to pick up a pen. As he let the words in his heart spill out onto the pages, he was surprised to find poetry and other forms of art therapy so cathartic while he worked though his emotions.

“Poetry has been a part of my mental stability since I was a young boy. My poetry helps to relieve my anxiety, stress and it helps me calculate my thoughts,” he said.

In a perfect world, Page would like to share his experiences with others by opening up a poetry club where people can come and perform their poetry and music. This forum would give them an avenue to let go of the pain that grips their heart and tugs at their soul. Whether people are grappling with depression, stress, loneliness and other feelings, Page believes that art therapy is the answer for easing emotions that linger on the surface.

Today, Page continues to be a huge supporter art therapy. It said it heals by giving people an outlet in which to express themselves and be heard. His work demonstrates the power of art and the impact it can make on one’s psyche no matter what their station is in life.

Although Incarcerated Thoughts has not yet been published due to Page’s limited resources in jail, it doesn’t stop him from creating poetry – and it never will.

House of Roses N The Dark Inc.’s mission is to support people in need like Page. The nonprofit organization assists those in need by providing healing resources to trauma and/or substance abuse individuals through artistic therapies and fine art technique. By using the teaching of art and art therapy, it helps individuals open the door to healing and letting go of hurt.

To learn more about House of Roses N The Dark Inc.and its mission, visit www.houseofrosesnthedark.org.

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